LETTER: Public school teachers deserve praise

These charter school/voucher people are way off the mark and missing the point of the debate. The debate is not how we can shutter the school system, the debate should be how it affects our children.

Our children are at our "failing schools" up to eight hours a day. It is a a public school teacher who greets your child in the morning, who teaches him, provides a meal to, and the occasional hug when necessary.

It is a public school teacher who, until your child turns 18, will see and care for that child more than you the parent. It is the scool administrator and school teachers you should thank. They struggle with lack of resources and lack of support from Republicans. Yet they come to school every day to care and teach. Why? Because it's their nature as they are professionals.

To those of you who do not support our public schools, answer the following two questions: On the last day of attending what you call a failing school, what did your child do? He came home, he gave you a hug and said the priceless words that all parents yearn to hear, "I love you."

What else happened? He came home safe. Isn't this a parent's top priority?

Your "failing school" provided a secure, safe place and they learned on top of that. They came home safe. How can any school providing that to a parent be branded a failing school?